Tennessee Tire Chain Laws

How Tennessee handles chains

Tennessee never orders chains on and posts no chain-control signs. An old equipment law still says buses, trucks and truck tractors outside city limits must carry one set of tire chains when they are likely to meet conditions requiring them (T.C.A. 55-9-102(2)(B)). Failing to carry them is a Class C misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $50. You may run chains of reasonable proportions when snow or ice makes them needed for safety (T.C.A. 55-9-106). Studded tires are legal October 1 to April 15 but not over 9,000 pounds. Check TDOT SmartWay or 511.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Carry chains when conditions are likely to require them. No chain order is posted and no chain-control signs go up. You may run chains for traction in snow and ice. You are never ordered to mount them.
• Where: No posted chain zones. The carry duty applies anywhere outside municipal limits. Voluntary traction runs through the eastern mountains: I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge near the North Carolina line, I-26 over Sams Gap, and I-75 at Jellico Mountain.
• Applies to: Buses, trucks and truck tractors must carry chains. The duty applies outside municipal limits when you are likely to meet conditions requiring chains (T.C.A. 55-9-102(2)(B)). Exempt: pickups with no more than two rear wheels and emergency flashing lights front and rear, and buses a municipality regulates while they run inside its jurisdiction. Trucks and pickups an owner uses to haul produce and farm products grown only by that owner, to and from market, are exempt too, except while lights are required, such as at night (T.C.A. 55-9-104(b) and 55-9-401). The statute sets no weight threshold.
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains of reasonable proportions are allowed when snow or ice makes them needed for safety. Studded tires are legal October 1 to April 15 but banned on vehicles over 9,000 pounds maximum gross weight unless the vehicle is a school bus or an emergency vehicle (T.C.A. 55-9-106(b)). No posted device levels, so cable chains or textile devices like AutoSock are a driver choice, not a graded pass. The carry duty in T.C.A. 55-9-102(2)(B) calls for one set of tire chains.
• Check the live order: TDOT SmartWay at smartway.tn.gov, or dial 511.
• Fine: Failing to carry the required chains is a Class C misdemeanor. Title 55, chapter 9, part 1 sets no specific penalty for it, so the general penalty applies: up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $50, or both (T.C.A. 55-10-301(a) and 40-35-111(e)(3)).

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